The School Board And Washburne

CHICAGO — In an April 5 editorial, The Chicago Tribune recommended that the Chicago Board of Education discontinue its involvement with Washburne Trade School. That commendation seems to be based on years of complaints about

discrimination at Washburne, and what The Tribune apparently believes is the board`s inability to do anything about these complaints.

The Tribune notes that the current board is taking steps to open Washburne to more minorities and women, but the paper seems to have little confidence, hope or patience with that process.

The fact is that this board is quite serious about improving conditions at Washburne, and it is determined to see that its recommendations in that regard are not ignored. Toward that end, the board at its meeting on April 9 established an oversight committee to implement board-approved recommendations at Washburne and monitor the school`s operation.

For most of this century, Washburne has been an asset to the board and the city. Therefore, it is surprising that The Tribune would so quickly urge the board to give up a school with Washburne`s heritage and proven

performance. Perhaps The Tribune fails to understand the issues involved in the controversy over the school.

Moreover, the board`s involvement in Washburne is not difficult to justify considering its involvement in other vocational education programs, and the fundamental goal of the people of the State of Illinois to provide educational development for all persons to the limits of their capacities (see Constitution of the State of Illinois, Article X, Sec. I).

Clearly, there is a role for the Board of Education at Washburne, and that role is essential if real improvements are to be made at the school. The Tribune may be assured that the members of the present Board of Education are carefully considering their actions as they affect Washburne, its students and the city.